I am a mid-level manager in an east coast pharmaceutical company and have been passed over for two promotional opportunities in the last eighteen months. The answers I was given for not being chosen have been very general, "We selected people with more relevant experience." In my opinion, I am equally or better qualified than both of the individuals selected for these jobs. This is a great company and I would prefer to stay here, rather than look for opportunities elsewhere. What can I do to increase the odds of my being successful the next time I apply for a promotional opportunity?

It is never pleasant to be turned down for a position that you feel you could do as well or better than the person selected. However, once the initial shock wears off, you can use this as an opportunity for self-assessment. The following are steps you can take to prepare yourself for the next promotional opportunity. I will caution you that these are not simple solutions and that they require hard work. Only you can decide if the effort will be justified. This is a difficult journey best described by the author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar as a check-up from the neck-up.

1. Overcome your blind spots:

   It is very difficult to know completely how others perceive us. In many cases, there are elements of that perception that we need help seeing. These "blind spots" can sometimes get in the way of our success. One of the best ways to identify these obstacles is to participate in a 360-feedback process. This survey-based process will allow the people you work with to give you confidential feedback on how you are perceived. Check with your human resources department to determine if this process is available to you.

   A less scientific way to identify blind spots is to ask a few trusted advisors and colleagues to discuss any skill deficiencies or behaviors that may be getting in the way of your being promoted. Be prepared for responses that you may not like. If this happens, my advice is to resist arguing or debating the merits of the feedback. Reflect on the information for a few days and then determine if there are any changes you should make to increase your promotability.

2. Analyze the competition:

   What is it about the successful candidates for the positions in question that gave them a winning edge? I know what you're thinking, "It's all politics." Until you have finished your personal "check-up," put aside any thoughts regarding favoritism. Sure there are times when personal chemistry or organizational mandates are the deciding factors in hiring decisions, but they are totally out of your control. Winners don't dwell on such factors. They decide what needs to be done and then move into action. I'm asking you to take a hard, cold, analytical view of your education, experience and interpersonal skills versus the competition. What do you need to do to become a stronger candidate for the next job opportunity? Check with trusted advisors within the organization to validate your action plan. Consult with decision makers, outside your company, to determine if your plan will make you more valuable on the open market. If you do all of this and remain unsuccessful, you may have to consider changing organizations to meet your career goals.

3. How badly do you want it?

   Early in my career, when working as a human resources manager, I coached many employees in your situation. The individuals who broke through the promotion barrier had one common characteristic: they were willing to do whatever was necessary to be successful. If they needed to improve communication skills, then they took courses, joined Toastmasters International or hired a coach. If they decided that obtaining an additional degree would help them break through the promotion barrier, then they enrolled in an academic program as soon as possible. I know that you have all kinds of personal and professional responsibilities and that this is not an easy step to take. However, there are a large number of people who return to school each year even though they have significant responsibilities.

   I teach a course in the Masters in Health Care program at the Harvard School of Public Health. The program is designed for physician executives. Some of these individuals work 80 hours per week, and yet they have found time to pursue an additional degree. They realize that they need new skills and information in order to advance and are willing to pay a short-term price for long-term career success.

   If you have not checked out educational options in recent years, you may be in for a pleasant surprise. The variety of academic majors available is amazing and the options for course delivery include everything from the Internet to weekend programs. In all probability, there is a degree program that will fit your schedule and life-style.

The bottom line is that only you can truly manage your career. Consider the above suggestions, devise a plan and take action. Remember the words of the German philosopher Goethe, "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."